Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM vs Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM [A]

Both are Canon EF prime lenses for full frame. Here is what actually differs.

Canon · 1993

EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

f/1.4290 gUSM

Check price Full specs

Sigma

Pick the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM if

You want the lighter lens to carry: 525 g lighter (290 g vs 815 g)
Our notes say it suits: Portraits, available-light photography, street and documentary

Pick the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM [A] if

You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.4 m vs 0.45 m
You want bigger close-ups: 0.18× vs 0.15× maximum magnification
You care about the shape of out-of-focus highlights: 9 aperture blades vs 8

Spec differences

11 differences

Specifications that differ between the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM and the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM [A]
	Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM	Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM [A]
Brand	Canon	Sigma
Weight	290 g lighter	815 g
Length	50.5 mm	not listed
Diameter	73.8 mm	not listed
Filter thread	58 mm	77 mm
Min focus distance	0.45 m	0.4 m closer
Max magnification	0.15×	0.18× larger
Aperture blades	8	9 more blades
Optical design	7 elements / 6 groups	13 elements / 8 groups
Autofocus motor	USM	HSM
Released	1993	not listed

6 identical specs hidden: mount, type, format, focal length, max aperture, image stabilization. Show all

Mount: Canon EF both
Type: Prime both
Format: Full frame both
Focal length: 50mm both
Max aperture: f/1.4 both
Image stabilization: No both

Our notes

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

A fast standard prime from the 1990s with a ring-type USM motor and a metal mount. It sits between the f/1.8 models and the L-series f/1.2 in speed and build.

Pros

f/1.4 aperture
Ring USM with full-time manual focus
Metal mount and solid build
Compact for its speed

Cons

Soft and hazy wide open
Not weather sealed
Older optical design

Our notes

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM [A]

A 50mm f/1.4 full-frame fast standard prime lens, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM [A] is designed for Canon EF mount bodies, with Hyper Sonic Motor autofocus. A wide-aperture standard prime from Sigma's Art line.